J. Ben Moss

About Artist

Basic Information

Artist Statement

I am always working to combine “low” art with “high” art. I love the juxtaposition of comics, lowbrow, and graffiti with fine art. “Low” art forms are the art of working people like myself, and the clash with fine art feels like a revolutionary process.

My style is influenced by a diverse range of artists, from Jack Kirby, Pollock, and Picasso to contemporary artists like Jeffrey Alan Love, Barry McGee, Michael Reeder, and Kiptoe.

Beyond my natural compulsion to make images and beyond my artistic influences, my work is simply an act of rebellion. I want my work to strike against a culture that tells us none of us are all that special. Many of the dominant themes in American culture could use a good old-fashioned ass-kicking.

Resume

J. Ben Moss lives and works in Shreveport, Louisiana. He has exhibited in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas as well as Chicago and Atlanta. He received his BA from Northwestern State University and is perpetually one thesis hour from his MLA at Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Recently, he collaborated with Linda Dickson on the “American Monsters” series, a lowbrow critique of American politics. Recent illustration work includes visually adapting excerpts from classic literature for “The Graphic Canon” volumes 2 and 3 from Seven Stories Press, as well as illustrating his self-published book of children’s literature, “peculiar poems for pint size provocateurs.” He is also a periodic contributor to specialty zines.

More examples of Mr. Moss’s paintings and illustration work can be found at jbenmoss.com

Mr. Moss’s street art process was recently the subject of the award-winning short documentary, “Spray.”
https://youtu.be/Lq4KQw8abI4

Awards/Honors
2013
PRINT Residency
Shreveport, LA
One of a 5-artist team selected by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council to work with Richard Duardo of Modern Multiples in support of his print exhibition

UNSCENE! Street Team
Shreveport, LA
One of a 5-artist team selected by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council to visually support the year-long series of art festivals named UNSCENE!

2014
Steve Olson Residency
Shreveport, LA
One of a 4-artist team selected by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council to work with artist/skateboard pioneer Steve Olson in support of his exhibition and installation

UNDISPUTED Champion Team Member
Shreveport, LA
One of the 5-artist champion team from the UNSCENE! series 2014 finale, "Undisputed," a live art elimination competition judged by national critics.

2015
City of Shreveport Artist Fellowship
Shreveport, LA
From the Shreveport Regional Arts Council website: “This Fellowship is a cash award in recognition of artistic excellence that enable artists to pursue their artistic goals. This award acknowledges distinguished Fellows of the highest caliber in each discipline of the arts.”